Specific prayers often lead to specific answers, and the story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10:49-52 highlights the importance of being clear and specific in our requests to God. In the spirit of this principle, our family embarked on a transformative journey in 2001, armed with a list of prayers that reflected our hopes and aspirations. Little did we know that these heartfelt requests would shape the course of our lives in remarkable ways.

Before venturing into the unknown, we compiled a comprehensive list of prayers, expressing the desires of our hearts and the vision we had for the village of Erachakulam in South India. Recognizing the tendency to become complacent, we understood the significance of clarity and precision in seeking God’s guidance and blessings. Believing that God is the ultimate provider and caretaker, we aimed to align our prayers with His unlimited capacity to help.

Our prayers included aspirations for our education ministry, dedicated teachers, village support, and a strong church fellowship. We sought divine guidance for our school project, hoping that local residents would understand and support our vision. Our requests extended to our children’s education, family unity, and the construction of a home within our existing facility.

With unwavering faith, we committed not to rely on human strength but to stay true to the calling and vision the Lord had placed in our hearts. We prayed for discernment, financial wisdom, and protection from evil forces around our campus. Our commitment to ongoing relationships with the Lord, cultivating genuine love within our family, and being rooted in the Word of God reflected a deep dedication to our faith.

As we laid all these requests at the feet of Jesus, we surrendered ourselves and our dreams, trusting in God’s divine guidance. Our journey, which began with resigning from jobs in Abu Dhabi on September 11, 2001, led us back to our homeland, where we relinquished our desire to settle permanently in Canada.

These diary entries from 2001 offer a glimpse into the sincere and heartfelt prayers that set the foundation for our incredible journey. These requests, made more than two decades ago, serve as a testament to the power of faith, specificity in prayer, and the remarkable ways in which God orchestrates the fulfillment of our deepest desires. Join us as we revisit these prayers and witness the unfolding of God’s sovereign plan in our lives.

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